: a precious stone of the ancients sometimes held to be the sapphire
b
: a gem zircon or hessonite
2
a
: a plant of the ancients held to be a lily, iris, larkspur, or gladiolus
b
: a bulbous perennial herb (Hyacinthus orientalis) of the asparagus family that is native to the Mediterranean region but is widely grown for its dense spikes of fragrant flowers compare grape hyacinth, water hyacinth
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Covering 79 acres, the garden also features roses, hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, lilies, carnations, and irises.—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025 Plants like water hyacinth, water lettuce, and water lilies float on the surface.—Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2025 Small scalloped hyacinth baskets ($49) keep hold of some of her favorite things.—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 15 May 2025 Fig, which layers in notes of cassis, jasmine, and hyacinth, is another scent that invites staying in bed for hours on end.—Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hyacinth
Word History
Etymology
Latin hyacinthus, a precious stone, a flowering plant, from Greek hyakinthos
: a common garden plant that grows from a bulb, is related to the lilies, and is widely grown for its showy dense spikes of fragrant bell-shaped flowers compare grape hyacinth, water hyacinth
Share